Cyclists want to see big improvements before Derby can justify its claim to be a "cycling city".

Campaigning organisation Derby Cycling Group wants the police to clamp down on motorists who endanger cyclists by driving too close, they want drivers to stop parking in cycle lanes and they want Derby to match the progress made by neighbours Nottingham and Leicester.

The campaigners argue that cycling reduces congestion, improves air quality, keeps people active and is inexpensive.

It is soon to release a "tube map" showing the good and the bad parts of the city to cycle in with routes graded between junctions around Derby, a few of which have seen fatalities and serious casualties in recent years.

"Cycling is not dangerous as an activity. It has huge benefits for individuals and communities. We need to prioritise active travel or walking and cycling to create a sustainable liveable city for its citizens. It needs funding but also political support and the adoption of best practice."

Mr Clasby is also a member of the Derby Cycling Group which has come up with the pros and cons to cycling in and around Derby.

What's good about cycling in Derby?

More people in Derby ride bikes than the national average although the national average is low.

Derby is a compact city with hardly any hills, making it easy to get around on a bicycle.

The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside that's easily accessible to cyclists.

There are some good car-free routes such as the Riverside path, the old Derby canal path, the Mickleover to Etwall path and some sections alongside the inner ring road.

Some roads have real potential for great facilities to be installed but this hasn't happened.

Derby City Council's Cycle Derby project has taught thousands of children and adults to cycle more safely and has a national reputation for excellence - but its funding has been cut.

The British BMX Race Series was held at to Alvaston Park (Image: Victoria Wilcox)

Derby has two outstanding cycling facilities in the velodrome and the national-standard BMX track in Alvaston.

Derby has a strong history of cycling - Mercian Cycles is based in the city.

Bike Back Derby recycles bikes and brings them back into the community.

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What's bad about cycling in Derby?

Many roundabouts have no facilities or infrastructure to support cycling - no traffic signals in particular.

A lot of the road junctions are poorly designed for cyclists' needs.

Drivers park on advisory and enforceable cycle lanes.

Cars parked in the cycle lane in Duffield Road make cycling more dangerous

Many car drivers pass far too close to cyclists, often at speed.

Derbyshire police have so far not signed up to carry out Operation Safe Pass. West Midlands police pioneered this and it has seen a 20% reduction in cycling accidents in the region. Car drivers are pulled over and educated or prosecuted if they pass too close to a cyclist.

Derby city centre lacks easy and direct cycling routes through it at all times of the day.

The funding for cycling is sporadic, a lot of this is out of the council’s control but not all.

Derby has seen numerous changes in its political leadership so long-term planning is more difficult. Other cities such as Leicester and Nottingham are making their cities better for walking and cycling and it looks like Derby is being left behind.